Sapphire is a gemstone that is often used in jewelry. Most commonly seen in blue, sapphires can be a multitude of colors including colorless, yellow and green. The stone can be man-made or can occur naturally in the ground. Man-made, or synthetic sapphires, are produced in a lab, while their naturally occurring counterparts must be mined from the ground. Sapphires may be found in various locations across the Earth, including China, Kenya, India, Pakistan and the United States.

Although they are commonly used in jewelry, sapphires are used in industrial applications as well. Sapphires are the second hardest naturally occurring substance next to diamonds. Sapphires can be found in lasers, spectroscopy and for the collection of noble gases in space.

Sapphires have historically been a status symbol and a sign of royalty. The bible’s King Solomon supposedly had an inscribed sapphire that gave him supernatural power. Additionally, legend has it that a large sapphire held the key to Helen of Troy’s allure.

Sapphire Jewelry
Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September. It is common to find jewelry made with sapphire gemstones marketed to individuals born during this month. Sapphire is widely used in fine jewelry including rings, pendants, bracelets and earrings. Additionally, sapphires are growing in popularity for use in engagement rings for non-traditional brides.

The three Cs; cut, color and clarity apply to more than diamonds. The three Cs are also very important when choosing sapphires.

• Sapphire jewelry may be found in many shapes including round, emerald, pear, marquise and ovals. No matter the shape, the stone should be cut symmetrically and reflect light well.
• When choosing a blue sapphire, it is important to select a deep, dark hue. Stones that have weak tones are less valuable than their deeply colored counterparts.
• Quality sapphires will be free of visible defects. Some inclusion in the stone is expected

About the Author:Julia Lawrence thoroughly enjoys spending time researching and writing about diamonds, jewelry and pop culture! When she isn't hard at work writing blog posts for The Diamond Lining, she spends her time wither with an absolutely adorable Mini Golder Retriever: Jake, and her husband: Mr. Julia Lawrence.
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